The Tobacco Free Partnership of Broward County, in partnership with Broward County Public Schools and the Florida Panthers, is showcasing artwork from local school children chosen as winners of the first Tobacco Free Art Exhibit. The public can view the art entries on the sixth floor of the Broward County ain Library, 100 S. Andrews Avenue in Fort Lauderdale through Friday, February 26, 2016.

The Tobacco Free Art Exhibit competition was designed to encourage youth to use their artistic creativity to bring awareness to tobacco free beaches and parks in Broward County. Many of the youth chose to showcase the impact of secondhand smoke in places where they live and play along with the benefits of smoke free parks and beaches.

"We are proud to see so many creative young people that are smart and recognize the threat of tobacco to our health as well as our environment. We know that they will begin now to lead the way for future generations," said Ellen Feiler, Community Activist and Chair of the Tobacco Free Partnership of Broward County.

“The Florida Panthers strongly believe in healthy living and are proud to support the Tobacco Free message,” said John Colombo, Director of Community Relations, Florida Panthers. “Part of our outreach program includes our 'Healthy Habits' program where we go to schools throughout Broward County to start the foundations of a healthy lifestyle young. We are excited to see this message continued with this night."

”We are proud of the students who participated in the exhibit competition and shared their creativity”, said Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Robert W. Runcie. “As a tobacco-free organization, it’s important that our students understand the benefits of having smoke-free spaces for the entire community to enjoy.”

About The Tobacco Free Partnership of Broward County: The mission of the Tobacco Free Partnership of Broward County (TFP) is to prevent or reduce the health risks associated with tobacco use through community education. The TFP meets the third Thursday of every month at 8:00 AM in the Tobacco Prevention Education Center located at the Florida Department of Health in Broward County, 780 SW 24th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315.

About Broward County Public Schools: CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE - Est 1915 Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth largest public school system in the United States and the second largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962. BCPS has over 265,000 students and approximately 175,000 adult students in 238 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 104 charter schools. BCPS serves a diverse student population. Students are from 208 different countries and speak 181 different languages. For more information about BCPS and the Centennial Celebration, visit browardschools.com, follow BCPS on Twitter @browardschools, like BCPS on Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools, and download the free BCPS mobile app.